‘Incredibly concerning’: Facebook black market groups offer rideshare and delivery driver accounts for sale, researchers say

CNN - Apr 14th, 2025

A new report from the Tech Transparency Project reveals the existence of over 80 Facebook groups where users buy, sell, and rent driver accounts for services like Uber, DoorDash, and Deliveroo. These groups allow individuals to circumvent safety measures such as background checks and driver’s license requirements, posing as credentialed drivers. This creates potential risks for users who depend on these platforms for safe rides and deliveries. Meta has been alerted and has started removing some of these groups, while Uber and DoorDash emphasize their efforts to combat account fraud.

The issue of account fraud is not new, as previous incidents have highlighted similar safety concerns. The report underscores the need for stricter enforcement and monitoring by both the tech companies and platform providers to prevent unauthorized account access. It also calls for Meta to enhance its moderation efforts to address fraudulent activities on its platform. The ongoing struggle to secure rideshare and delivery platforms highlights the broader challenges of maintaining user safety and trust in the digital age.

Meta Fraud Facebook Uber Door Dash Tech Transparency Project Deliveroo Account Sharing User Safety Background Checks

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of account fraud on ride-sharing and delivery platforms, supported by credible sources and firsthand accounts. It effectively highlights the potential risks to user safety and the efforts by companies to address these concerns. While the article is well-structured and clear, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and a deeper exploration of the implications of Meta's moderation policies. Overall, the article successfully informs the public about an important safety issue with ongoing relevance, encouraging further discussion and potential policy changes.

Accuracy

The article presents factual claims supported by a report from the Tech Transparency Project, which CNN accessed exclusively. It accurately describes the existence of Facebook groups where users discuss buying, selling, and renting driver accounts for services like Uber and DoorDash. This claim is corroborated by the Tech Transparency Project's findings. The article also accurately reports on the potential risks these activities pose to user safety, which is a key concern highlighted by the Tech Transparency Project. However, while the article mentions the removal of five Facebook groups by Meta, it does not specify the criteria used for this action, which could be an area requiring further verification.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including Meta, Uber, DoorDash, and the Tech Transparency Project. It reports on the actions taken by these companies to address the issue, such as Meta's removal of violating groups and Uber's identity verification measures. However, the article could have included more perspectives from drivers or users who might be affected by these fraudulent activities. Additionally, while it includes a statement from Meta, it does not explore potential criticisms of Meta's moderation policies in depth.

Clarity

The article is written in clear and concise language, making it accessible to a general audience. It logically presents information, starting with the identification of the problem, followed by responses from companies involved, and concluding with broader implications. The use of direct quotes enhances clarity by providing firsthand accounts of the issue. However, the article could improve clarity by summarizing the key points more succinctly, as the detailed descriptions of various incidents may overwhelm some readers.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources such as the Tech Transparency Project, CNN, and official spokespersons from companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Meta. These sources are authoritative and relevant to the topic, providing firsthand information on the issue of account fraud. The inclusion of direct quotes from spokespersons adds to the reliability of the reporting. However, the article could benefit from more independent sources or expert opinions on the broader implications of these fraudulent activities.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, clearly attributing information to the Tech Transparency Project and CNN's own findings. It mentions the methodology used by researchers to identify the Facebook groups, providing context for the claims made. However, the article could improve transparency by detailing the criteria Meta uses to determine policy violations and the specific safeguards Uber and DoorDash have implemented. This would help readers better understand the basis of these claims and their implications.